I’m from the 1900s: Please Be Patient with Me

Please be patient with me – I’m from the 1900s. Not 1900, but the 1900s. And not to brag, but I was alive when you could slam a phone down to make a point. A real receiver. A real cord. A real “thunk” when I slammed it down. It was glorious.

As women in our 50s, 60s and on, we’ve lived through a lot. We’ve earned every laugh line, every story, and yes… every moment of “now what was I saying?” So here are a few things our generation would love to share with the next.

1. Memory Changes Are Normal – Not a Crisis

I’m not talking about dementia or Alzheimer’s. I’m talking about the natural, everyday memory shifts that come with aging. Our bodies change, and our brains do, too. They even shrink a bit over time, which can lead to occasional forgetfulness – totally normal.

There are ways to support our memory:

• follow routines
• get enough sleep (you know, I believe sleep is the cure‑all)
• stay active with friends, family, church, or hobbies
• keep tickler lists (I’m queen of post-its)
• consider fish oil
• and put your keys, purse, and glasses in the same spot every time.

But if our recall is a little slower, and it doesn’t interfere with our independence, show us ladies from the 1900s a little grace.

2. Technology Moves Fast – Faster Than Our Reading Glasses

I’ve slammed a phone down. I’ve paid bills with checks. I’ve relied on a dog and a baseball bat for home security. Now, it’s Ring cameras, online banking, and passwords that require a symbol, a number, a haiku, and a blood sample.

Just when I figure out the latest phone update, a new one drops.

But here’s the thing: we’re strong, independent women. We survived blue eyeshadow, big hair, and shoulder pads that could double as flotation devices. According to an AARP survey, “two‑thirds of adults 50+ say technology enriches their lives and makes aging easier.” With a little patience from the Verizon guy, our kids, a tech‑savvy friend, or even a blogger, we can embrace it, too. We just may need to triple the font size.

3. We Have Stories – And Sometimes You’ll Hear Them Twice

We’ve lived. We’ve loved. We’ve collected memories like seashells, and we enjoy sharing them.

Sometimes we share them more than once.

My dad used to raise his hand when I repeated a story – a gentle “heard it already.” We’d laugh. But as he got older and he began repeating his stories, I didn’t’ raise my hand. I listened. I listened because I loved him, because I enjoyed our time together, and because I knew that one day I would miss hearing his voice.

So, when we repeat a story or two, I hope the people around us will listen with the same patience and love.

4. We Move a Little Slower – But We’re Still Moving

We made it through math class without calculators, but these days it might take us a minute to warm up after sitting. A good nap is a gift. And sometimes the stiffness needs a moment to shake out.

But staying mobile matters.

Moderate exercise helps maintain strength, flexibility, and balance – all key to avoiding falls. Whether it’s water aerobics at the Y, a stroll through the neighborhood, or joining a hiking club, the trick is to keep moving.

5. We’ve Survived a Lot – And We’re Aging with Style

We may be a little forgetful and a little slower these days, but that doesn’t make us stupid. We are smart, capable women who have raised families, built careers, run businesses – or juggled all of the above while still remembering where everyone’s socks were. So, when the younger generation talks to us like we’re clueless, it’s downright insulting. Older, wiser, and moving at our own pace does not equal ‘dummy’. It just means we’ve earned the right to take our time… and maybe reread the instructions once or twice.

We made mixed tapes.

We wore leg warmers (not just to dance class).

We crimped and permed our hair.

We slathered ourselves in baby oil and iodine.

We strutted around in shoulder pads like linebackers.

If we survived that, we can make aging look graceful. We just need a little patience from ourselves – and from those around us. Read more stories on Kicking the Chaos with Kaylin.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What can you tell us about your experiences as a woman from the 1900s? Which memories and achievements are you most proud of?